At the beginning of each year and on other occasions, I visit Shinto shrines. I am always interested in looking at the mirrors and pure white paper hangings placed at the end of the shrine toward which I put my hands together to pray. In a similar way, looking at the ancient ritual objects in the museum, I wonder why they are shaped like that. I am attracted to "forms" that people have continued to create in order to honor something invisible.

Over the past three years or so, I lost my family members and friends, and I have had many opportunities to meet people who lost their loved ones. When people think and pray for someone beyond the reality of the here and now, they may seek some type of form. I have long felt that there is a mystery lurking in my glasswork. So, I would like to start a journey now, once again, to explore the Forms of Light.

• Ritsue Mishima, March 2023

Last year, Ritsue Mishima became the first Japanese artist to hold a solo exhibition at the National Accademia Gallery in Venice, and through the exhibition, her deep knowledge of the culture and history of Venetian glass and her innovative expression were recognized with the "Fondazione di Venezia Award" for "Best Project" during the Venice Glass Week held at the same time. Mishima was awarded the "Fondazione di Venezia Award" at the Venice Glass Week held at the same time. Mishima's powerful transnational activities have inspired not only art, but also architecture, crafts, fashion, and design, and she was honored with the Bulgari Aurora Award 2022, which recognizes her achievements as a brilliant woman.

The concept of Forms of Light is one that Mishima has cultivated through many years of artmaking. We have a habit of worshipping and wearing symbolic objects to gain strength when we are reminded of someone in our memories, when we are guided by strong beliefs, and when we feel grateful to be alive. There are various layers of dimensions in this world, and we may be kept alive by connecting them to reality through "form." Therefore, bringing "form" into this world is truly a fundamental and creative act.

We hope you will enjoy the new works of Ritsue Mishima, an artist of light.

Press release courtesy ShugoArts.